Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and wall fires they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace suites surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.